Emission trading pollution levels

The implementation of emission trading in the cap-and-trade formula requires the definition of a longer-run cap for certain polluters and groups of emission sources. The current legal regulations in Poland and the EU make it possible to implement emission trading at the national level with respect to the following pollutants ... 

Massachusetts (2001) passed four-pollutant Emissions Standards for Power Plants (310 CMR 7.29) to reduce emissions of SOj, NO, Hg and COj from older fossil-fuel fired power plants in Massachusetts. The standards will require six power plants to make 10% reduction from 1997-1999 COj levels. Power plants have the choice between switching fuels, changing generation technologies or trading emissions-reductions credits with other plants. They can also invest in certified offset projects. ... 

Diesels produce, however, higher emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The emissions levels which can be achieved depend on both the engine-out emissions and the performance of the emissions control system. For the engine-out emissions, there is a well-known trade-oflf between PM and NOx. Such a trade-ofif is not, however, a constant relationship between the two pollutants. Developments in combustion systems, fuel injection equipment, turbocharging, and associated control systems have allowed and continue to allow the trade-ofif curve to move to lower values of both NOx and PM. The trade-off thus gives engine developers the opportunity to combine the optimization of raw emissions and fuel economy with the optimization of the emissions control system. 

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